The real scoop on Al and Bob's in Grand Rapids

[PackerFan]

I just wanted to give a shout out to the guys at Al and Bobs. I usually get most of my hunting/fishing gear from Gander Mountain due to convenience.

I took my bow in to Al and Bob's in Grand Rapids to have a string loop on. I didn't know if I needed my middle serving redone to wear but the tech was honest in showing me that it was in great shape and was not necessary. So he tied a string loop on, and brought me in the back of the shop to show me how to tie one on properly, how to tighten it, use the lighter, etc. He let me shoot on the range until I was comfortable with it. He helped me adjust my sight to compensate for moving the loop up a bit because my arrows were rubbing on the axis on the drop away rest on the draw. When it was all said and done, I felt I was well educated and it cost me a whopping $3.

I can't say enough how impressed I was and how friendly everyone was. In the future, my money will be going to support the local guys that's for sure. A+++ in my book.

PF

[Michihunter]

I just wanted to give a shout out to the guys at Al and Bobs. I usually get most of my hunting/fishing gear from Gander Mountain due to convenience.

I took my bow in to Al and Bob's in Grand Rapids to have a string loop on. I didn't know if I needed my middle serving redone to wear but the tech was honest in showing me that it was in great shape and was not necessary. So he tied a string loop on, and brought me in the back of the shop to show me how to tie one on properly, how to tighten it, use the lighter, etc. He let me shoot on the range until I was comfortable with it. He helped me adjust my sight to compensate for moving the loop up a bit because my arrows were rubbing on the axis on the drop away rest on the draw. When it was all said and done, I felt I was well educated and it cost me a whopping $3.

I can't say enough how impressed I was and how friendly everyone was. In the future, my money will be going to support the local guys that's for sure. A+++ in my book.

PF

Great to hear!! It's nice when a person will go out of their way to help someone. I think lunch would've been on me after getting that bill!! ;)

[MIBIGHNTR]

I'll second that....

I stopped in there last night and they were very helpful!!!

This was after leaving another shop in Hasting's that makes you feel like a thief by asking you to leave you bow case in your vehicle. I can certainly understand them not wanting people to load stuff into their cases, but come on now! I didn't invest $235+ in a case to try to carry two bows and a bunch of stuff around in my hand......:rant:

I will continue to send my business to Al & Bob's for my archery needs around home and Goldstar Outdoors while up north!!!

Mark

[Ninja]

Al and Bob's is a great shop....have heard nothing but good things about them.

MIBIGHNTR,
We also ask folks to leave their cases in their car....the main reason is simply lack of room.
If I have 6 archery customers all with cases, there is no place for anyone to stand in that area.

[MIBIGHNTR]

MIBIGHNTR,
We also ask folks to leave their cases in their car....the main reason is simply lack of room.
If I have 6 archery customers all with cases, there is no place for anyone to stand in that area.

Ken,

Understood, but to bring all my stuff in with me would take two trips and then some counter/table space to hold it all. Then, if I was to drop or scuff something that otherwise would be safely nestled in my case, I would not be a happy customer.

I hope that is also understandable to shop owners AND is the reason I bought that nice double SKB hard case that they may carry.

Mark

[Corona]

The gunsmith there is great too. They have tons of fishing supply too. I just wish it was closer to my house....

[skidoomaster]

I guess everyone has their own opinions. My buddy purchased a new bow and all new accessories from Al/Bobs last year. (dropped some major coin!) Claims they did a horrible job of setting it up. Couldn’t shoot accurate at all. Went back 3 times and said they were rude to him. Personally, I’ve had excellence experience from Vince at Kent Arms. He takes the time to help you shoot and test different things. My buddy took his bow to Vince, and was pleased. Now Vince is the only one he lets touch is bow.

[MIBIGHNTR]

I guess everyone has their own opinions. My buddy purchased a new bow and all new accessories from Al/Bobs last year. (dropped some major coin!) Claims they did a horrible job of setting it up. Couldn’t shoot accurate at all. Went back 3 times and said they were rude to him. Personally, I’ve had excellence experience from Vince at Kent Arms. He takes the time to help you shoot and test different things. My buddy took his bow to Vince, and was pleased. Now Vince is the only one he lets touch is bow.

One of Kent Arms' biggest disadvantages is their evening hours, if you work until 5:00pm, anyway. And the ceiling height of their range! Better not be too tall.....

Mark

[No.4shot]

One of Kent Arms' biggest disadvantages is their evening hours, if you work until 5:00pm, anyway. And the ceiling height of their range! Better not be too tall.....

Mark

I believe that their fall hours will be starting soon which will keep them open till 8pm.

And they are working on the basement ceiling.

[Target3]

On the basement ceiling height... Last winter they cut additional "holes" to accomodate the top limb at the longer yardages.

But being short I don't have problem with this issue...;)

[MIBIGHNTR]

Kent Arms.....

"Hey, you shoot 3-D?"

"Why not?"

:lol::lol::lol:

Mark

[wolverines]

[quote=Corona;1726355]The gunsmith there is great too.

Jeff is the man...best gunsmith I know of.

[HTC]

Ben has always done good by me there, I continue to shop Al & Bobs.

[MIBIGHNTR]

Jeff and Ben are both good guys!

I worked them both back in the day when the Gander in Kentwood first opened.

Jeff is a very talented Gunsmith and will always give you the straight poop!

Mark

[Target3]

Kent Arms.....

"Hey, you shoot 3-D?"

"Why not?"

:lol::lol::lol:

Mark


Yes they shoot 3-D at Kent Arms and so does Vince and a number of other shooters who frequent Kent Arms.

No they don't leave their 3-D targets up all the time as a daily pounding at 20, 25 or 30 yards would not leave much of the target left. As everyone knows 3-D targets are expensive.

So what exactly are you trying to insuate?

[MIBIGHNTR]

Yes they shoot 3-D at Kent Arms and so does Vince and a number of other shooters who frequent Kent Arms.

No they don't leave their 3-D targets up all the time as a daily pounding at 20, 25 or 30 yards would not leave much of the target left. As everyone knows 3-D targets are expensive.

So what exactly are you trying to insuate?

Not trying to insuate anything....

Every single time I have stopped in there, and Vince is working, he always asks me those two questions.

He is very consistant in that regard.....:D

Mark

[ThePro]

he does it cause if you have tried it. You'd know that it is fun. Alot of the guys shoot it just for practice for hunting. Works wonders on shot placement and yardage judging. Some take it serious . Some just do it to get out and hang with other people. He is trying to get more people involved in 3d. Its a great sport you can do alone !! or with your family!!! And as you can tell he loves it!

[MIBIGHNTR]

he does it cause if you have tried it. You'd know that it is fun. Alot of the guys shoot it just for practice for hunting. Works wonders on shot placement and yardage judging. Some take it serious . Some just do it to get out and hang with other people. He is trying to get more people involved in 3d. Its a great sport you can do alone !! or with your family!!! And as you can tell he loves it!

Absolutely understandable, just kinda humorous....:p

I have shot 3-D many, many times informally, both alone and with friends and family. It is allot of fun and helps with all those things you've mentioned.

I would like to start shooting it more seriously in the future and will most likely stop in to Kent Arms to talk to Vince about the rules and equipment necessary. I will just be interested in Hunter Class though, no scopes and 30" stabs just quite yet.

Mark

[SA ULTRA MAG]

Vince always pushes shooting 3D at WWSC. I'm a member there and can't even shoot the 3D targets unless I sign up for their league. What's up with that ??? They only shoot on Wednesdays (I think) and always bring in the targets when done. Some of us don't want to be in a league and only want to shoot with our friends and family.

Hey......you shoot 3D ??? Why not ? Because you make in inconvienent.....lol.

[No.4shot]

Vince always pushes shooting 3D at WWSC. I'm a member there and can't even shoot the 3D targets unless I sign up for their league. What's up with that ??? They only shoot on Wednesdays (I think) and always bring in the targets when done. Some of us don't want to be in a league and only want to shoot with our friends and family.

Hey......you shoot 3D ??? Why not ? Because you make in inconvienent.....lol.

The league at west walker sportsman club is on monday and tuesday and wednesday was open shooting to the public.

[ThePro]

Vince always pushes shooting 3D at WWSC. I'm a member there and can't even shoot the 3D targets unless I sign up for their league. What's up with that ??? They only shoot on Wednesdays (I think) and always bring in the targets when done. Some of us don't want to be in a league and only want to shoot with our friends and family.

Hey......you shoot 3D ??? Why not ? Because you make in inconvienent.....lol.

The targets get taken back in after league and open day shoot. Is because they have all rinehart targets. Which is very expensive. They have had same targets for over 3 years. And still are in mint shape because of that. Not many clubs can afford to spend $10,000.00 in targets every year. They just bought a new buffulo this year too. So you got to take care of what you own. You sound like a real loyal club member to. Way to stick up for your club members. You must be a skeet shooter there.

[Target3]

Vince always pushes shooting 3D at WWSC. I'm a member there and can't even shoot the 3D targets unless I sign up for their league. What's up with that ??? They only shoot on Wednesdays (I think) and always bring in the targets when done. Some of us don't want to be in a league and only want to shoot with our friends and family.

Hey......you shoot 3D ??? Why not ? Because you make in inconvienent.....lol.

I would also like to add that at West Walker there are some 1400 members. 60 of those members are responsible for the activities and running the open times. 2 of the 60 are responsible for ensuring the archery is up and running. So lets put this together. Vince is one of the 2 who are responsible for the archery... 3-D. Guess what? being a Archery Manager in July, August, September when the hunters want to shoot 3-D leaves VERY LITTLE time for setting up and taking down a 3-D Course.

Now Vince is very good at recuriting people to help do the physical labor and he is greatly appreciative. However, no one else has stepped up to become part of the 60 and help with the late summer 3-D.

Vince has not complained about his prediciment he just does the best he can with being an Archery Manager, WWSC and keeping his wife happy (she can be really demanding!)

So before jumping on the "Because you make it inconvienent..." band wagon, think about your life and how much you can fit into your week of work, hobbies and family. Then if you have time left over, perhaps you should look into becoming one of the 60 to help eliviate the the inconvienance.

Just some thoughts for everyone to think over...

[Target3]

Sorry for jumping on your case...

3-D is a fun sport... Hopefully we will see you at some local events next summer. :)

Oh yeah a great way to practice for 3-D is indoor spot leagues. It is a great way to become completly comfortable with your bow in ideal conditions. That way when you are out in the sun, rain, wind, or with idiots nothing will bother you and you will have a great time shooting your bow.;)

[SA ULTRA MAG]

You sound like a real loyal club member to. Way to stick up for your club members. You must be a skeet shooter there.

Mr Pro,
I've never shot skeet or trap in my life. I signed up to use the rifle and pistol ranges and wanted to shoot 3D too, just not in a league. So you might want to mark that down as the 1st time you've ever been wrong....:lol:
Because I would like to shoot WW's 3D with friends and family and I don't want to sign up in a league to shoot 3D, I'm not a loyal member ? :dizzy: Hey, I help pay for your 3D targets and I don't shoot them up....how much better can it get ? :lol: Did you notice the "lol" at the end of "because you make it inconvienent" ?

Vince himself told me a couple of times at Kent Arms (over the last 2 years) that I would have to sign up for a league to shoot 3D at WWSC. I thanked him and said I really didn't want to be in a league. I have nothing personally against Vince, I have bought alot things from Kent Arms and will continue to do so.

[passthru]

I guess everyone has their own opinions. My buddy purchased a new bow and all new accessories from Al/Bobs last year. (dropped some major coin!) Claims they did a horrible job of setting it up. Couldn’t shoot accurate at all. Went back 3 times and said they were rude to him. Personally, I’ve had excellence experience from Vince at Kent Arms. He takes the time to help you shoot and test different things. My buddy took his bow to Vince, and was pleased. Now Vince is the only one he lets touch is bow.

Ive personally seen it the other way around.

Jay

[Ninja]

Ive personally seen it the other way around.

Jay


It's all a matter of perspective.

[passthru]

If you say so. I used to work with him.

[passthru]

Mr Pro,
I've never shot skeet or trap in my life. I signed up to use the rifle and pistol ranges and wanted to shoot 3D too, just not in a league. So you might want to mark that down as the 1st time you've ever been wrong....:lol:
Because I would like to shoot WW's 3D with friends and family and I don't want to sign up in a league to shoot 3D, I'm not a loyal member ? :dizzy: Hey, I help pay for your 3D targets and I don't shoot them up....how much better can it get ? :lol: Did you notice the "lol" at the end of "because you make it inconvienent" ?

Vince himself told me a couple of times at Kent Arms (over the last 2 years) that I would have to sign up for a league to shoot 3D at WWSC. I thanked him and said I really didn't want to be in a league. I have nothing personally against Vince, I have bought alot things from Kent Arms and will continue to do so.

Pat, You nailed it! I could personally care less to shoot a league. I just dont have time for it so thats why I let my membership slide at WW and shoot elsewhere. Both guns and 3D.

Jay

[ThePro]

Pat, You nailed it! I could personally care less to shoot a league. I just dont have time for it so thats why I let my membership slide at WW and shoot elsewhere. Both guns and 3D.

Jay


Thats too bad. WW has a very nice range for skeet, rifle and archery. It is very laid back. You dont have to shoot league. Theres plenty of open shooting 3d. Plus bag targets are out every day. They dont push leagues on you. They just ask if you want to shoot. Nothing more. Nothing less. They are trying to get the archery side bigger. So the more people invloved. The better it can get and grow. Just M/O. People take it to personal when some one asks someone to step outside there comfort zone. I've noticed at the club. Which is to bad.

[Target3]

I have to admit, Vince at Kent Arms is the only one who touches my equipment. As a matter of fact he is so good at setting up and tuning my bow I don't even try to make adjustments myself anymore. I just take it to Vince.

It must work I have the deer, state, national and world titles to prove his set up cababilities.

Once Vince works his charm on my equipment, I never look back. Just go shoot and let the bow perform!

[passthru]

Hey Vince knows his stuff. Ill give him that. Probly one of the best Ive seen.

Jay

[PackerFan]

I now officially declare this thread hijacked.